The Amazing Technicolour Jean Coat – Upcycling project of dreams
This Lichen Duster has been a dream of mine for quite some time… I originally started making this in May during lockdown. The idea for the project came after seeing so many gorgeous versions of this online and was further…
5 Mistakes to Avoid when you’re Starting Sewing
Today I bring a cautionary tale for beginner dressmakers. Mistakes that are commonly made but easily avoided. Picking the wrong size The sizing on sewing patterns for clothes is not the same as ready to wear shop sizing either in…
Help! I’m a Newbie Dressmaker – What do I need?
I’m frequently asked about what tools a beginner needs to start dressmaking. I’m not talking sewing machines here, let’s save that one for another day. I’m taking about all the other bits and bobs that a beginner will need. It…
My 4 Most Useful Sewing Techniques Books
I’m a sucker for a good sewing book and many of the best can be found at charity shops or second hand book shops. Rather than looking something up online, over the years books have been my go to for…
It smells like Autumn outside & I’m not ready yet! – Wardrobe Audit & Sewing Plans
Yesterday was the first day I’ve worn a coat since March! I was not happy about the situation! And then when I stepped outside in the evening to drive home it smelt like autumn. I’m not ready for autumn yet!…
Making your own clothes is better than shopping – No Contest!
Sometimes people say to me, “Why bother making clothes when you can buy them so cheaply?” Now I guess the people who think that are never going to be the sort of people who would “get it” but there are…
Back to School – 5 Reasons Why Adults Should Never Stop Learning to New Skills
This September, much more than any year that has gone before has a got those fresh start, back to school vibes! Are you all breathing a sigh of relief that the kids have gone back and some sort of new…
Repair Because you Care – Saving the Planet One Stitch at a Time!
One of my reasons for starting this business and wanting to teach as many people as possible how to make clothes for themselves and their family is my utter horror at fast fashion and the way that the people who…
Perfectionism + Learning + Sewing – How to learn to let it go
If I had a pound for every time somebody pointed out the imperfections in the clothes they had made, I’d be… well a little bit closer to a millionaire than I am now! And do you know the really crazy…
A Retrospective of my Bespoke Dressmaking 2009-2020 – Dresses of dreams
Having recently been reminded of one of a prom dress I made for a client back in 2015, through being shown an old school magazine with the dress being worn by the cover star. I thought it would be kinda…
